Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wauseon, OH (Mar 2023)
- Wauseon Solar Installation Cost: $13,691
- 25-Year Savings: $17,687
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wauseon
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Wauseon.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Wauseon it's 2.56 per watt. The average Wauseon homeowner needs a 7.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,691 with the federal tax credit, or $19,578 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Wauseon homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Wauseon homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Wauseon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,436 |
| 3 years | $-9,926 |
| 5 years | $-7,415 |
| 7 years | $-4,905 |
| 9 years | $-2,395 |
| 11 years | $115 |
| 13 years | $2,626 |
| 15 years | $5,136 |
| 17 years | $7,646 |
| 19 years | $10,156 |
| 21 years | $12,666 |
| 23 years | $15,177 |
| 25 years | $17,687 |
Top Solar Installers in Wauseon
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra time and knowledge. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but going with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Wauseon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wauseon
For many Wauseon homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Wauseon, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,560. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Wauseon, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Wauseon homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Wauseon is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.66 | $11,182 | $13,452 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $18,222 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $23,136 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $28,194 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $33,394 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $38,738 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $44,226 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $49,857 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Wauseon, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Wauseon?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Wauseon?
Solar panels aren't free in Wauseon, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $821.13 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Wauseon?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.